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Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:01 pm

What is the consensus from the experts on here as to the best reproduction rear "H" apron sold for my Zwitter. I see three to chose from. The first is from Kaefer Nostalgic. Second is from Wolf in Sweden. Third is from KDF Service in Poland. From my novice eye and having never had the chance to personally inspect any of these parts (wouldn't really know what to look for anyway), I'm leaning toward the KDF service apron for the simple fact that it looks like it comes with the rubber seal channel pre-installed.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:31 pm

Oval window guys are debating same subject:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=396577&start=0
and heres a little schooling on the rear engine seal plate differences in case you need to find a donor for a Wolf panel, I just realized last sunday that I installed a 1960 only rear apron rear engine seal channel panel on my '55 and finally figured out why it messed up my rear engine lid gap! :

*note that the photo mentions the spot welded insulation tabs up to at least 1955 but looks like they changed to cut out tabs after 56 or 57? still not sure on that, just make sure you dont use a 1960 panel, it will throw all the gaps off when you try and line it up with side engine seal channels, pretty sure this is due to the 1960 one year only front trans mount that even required a special red dipstick due to weird engine angle !

Thu Mar 04, 2010 8:48 pm

Oh that's Great Bill ( Mr. Knowledge) now I have to go on the search for a 1960 only red dipstick for my Bug. Should be fun. And thanks for yet another great tidbit of info.

Wed Apr 14, 2010 10:51 am

what have i just purchased? i already know it's hacked and poorly cut off, but is this "correct" for my '51? it appears to be original metal (i am basing that deduction on the dimples along the bottom). i am going to remove the apron from the side pieces to see how good/bad it really is. the price was very right, so i don't mind putting a little time and effort into it if it is original metal and "correct" (or near enough) for my '51.
any insights appreciated.

Wed Apr 14, 2010 2:56 pm

looks real to me, especially right here:

thats the first good picture of the center dimple with the 2 holes next to it behind the other 6 holes on the bottom, never seen those 2 holes on a repro or hand modified later apron, very cool to see them here, thats a sure sign of the real thing

Wed Apr 14, 2010 3:00 pm

sweet! thanks for the information and the confirmation.

i guess my other question is:
should these holes not be there (should this area be flat)? they almost look like they were made with a hammer and a punch.

Wed Apr 14, 2010 3:34 pm

could be for some wiring?

Tue Sep 21, 2010 8:57 pm

I don't think it's the correct apron for your 51. It should not have exhaust cut outs. I think this is for a Oval 55 and up.

Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:10 am

53 Split wrote: I don't think it's the correct apron for your 51. It should not have exhaust cut outs. I think this is for a Oval 55 and up.

hazetguy wrote: i already know it's hacked

the tailpipe holes are not original. i also thought 55-- had a piece of inner sheet metal between the tail pipe holes and the seal channel.
in re-reading this thread and looking at the pics Bill posted, i noticed there is no insulation tab on my apron.